Taiwan First Country in Asia to Implement Patient Right to Autonomy Act

In a few days, Taiwan will become the first country in Asia to implement a "Patient Right to Autonomy Act."

Under the new law, certain patients may instruct medical institutions or physicians to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatments.

These patients include those who are: (1) terminally ill, (2) in an irreversible coma, (2) in a persistent vegetative state, (3) suffering from severe dementia, and (4) other diseases determined to be unbearable or incurable.